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API 682 STANDARD

Mastering API 682

Your guide to mechanical seal and auxiliary system excellence.

Our API 682 seals

OVERVIEW

What is API 682?

Developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API), API 682 sets the standard for designing, selecting materials and operating mechanical seals and their auxiliary systems in pumps, compressors and other rotating equipment.

Recognised in the petroleum, natural gas and petrochemical industries, the API 682 standard improves mechanical seal reliability in fluid processing applications by addressing leak prevention, maintenance and efficiency to reduce environmental risks and enhance plant safety.

RELATED LINKS

API standard 682 (PDF) American Petroleum Institute
KEY COMPONENTS

Key components of API 682

API 682 addresses crucial elements to maintain seal and system efficiency.

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Mechanical seals
Specifies requirements for single, dual-unpressurised and dual-pressurised seals, ensuring compatibility with processed fluids.
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Auxiliary piping plans
Details the necessary configurations and components for cooling, flushing and pressure control systems.
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Installation, operation and maintenance
Offers recommendations to extend service life and reduce downtime.
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REQUIREMENTS

API 682 requirements

API 682 requirements are designed to improve mechanical seal reliability, safety and environmental performance by standardising key aspects of seal selection and operation.

These requirements include:

  • Standardised seal arrangements and support systems
  • Qualified seal testing to verify performance
  • Defined piping plans for flushing, cooling and pressure control
  • Material selection based on process conditions and fluid compatibility.

Meeting API 682 requirements helps improve equipment reliability, reduce emissions and extend the service life of critical rotating equipment.

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API 682 SEALS

Our API 682-compliant mechanical seals

The environment of a mechanical seal must be controlled for maximum seal life.

API piping plans describe the various types of equipment which can be fitted to a mechanical seal, or even incorporated within the seal, to provide the optimum environment for the mechanical seal.

To facilitate the combination of seal and system, John Crane categorises the areas within the seal into three zone.

Explore our API 682 compliant mechanical seals

Piping plans

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Supporting sustainable operations

API 682 contributes significantly to global sustainability goals by promoting environmentally responsible practices.

  • Environmental impact: Reduces industrial emissions and spillages by promoting advanced sealing technologies.
  • Resource efficiency: Extends seal lifespan, reducing material and energy consumption and lowering operational costs.
  • Energy conservation: Optimises seal performance, reducing friction and energy use in pumps and rotating equipment.
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John Crane’s API 682 piping plan pocket guide

This essential reference guide provides expert insights and practical guidance for effortlessly navigating the complexities of 32 different piping plans.

Keep it handy for quick, reliable support whenever you need to select or understand a piping plan.

Read the pocket guide
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common questions

What is API 682 and why is it important?

API 682 is a global adopted developed by the American Petroleum Institute that defines recommendations for the design, selection, testing and operation of mechanical seals and seal support systems for centrifugal and rotary pumps used mainly in oil and gas, and chemical industries.

API 682 standardises:

  • Mechanical seal design categories
  • Seal arrangements (single, dual-unpressurised, dual-pressurised)
  • Seal chamber dimensions
  • Piping plans (flush/support systems)
  • Material selection
  • Testing and qualification

What’s the difference between API 682 and API 610?

API 610 covers pump design, while API 682 covers mechanical seals and seal support systems used on those pumps.

Key distinction:

Standard

Focus

API 610

Centrifugal pumps

API 682

Mechanical seals plus seal systems

Many projects require both standards together.

Are API 682 seals zero-emission?

All mechanical seals allow some leakage across the seal faces.

Arrangement 3 seals are able to achieve zero-emissions to atmosphere during normal operation by employing a barrier fluid at higher pressure between the process and the atmosphere. This makes them the preferred solution for volatile or hazardous fluids.

What are Category 1, 2 and 3 seals in API 682?

These categories classify seal construction and service severity:

  • Category 1 → General refinery service
  • Category 2 → Higher reliability and instrumentation
  • Category 3 → Severe service with highest robustness

What changed in API 682 4th Edition?

Key updates include:

  • New piping plans added (e.g., 03, 55, 65A, 65B, 66A, 66B)
  • Instrument changed from switches to transmitters
  • Floating alarm added for Plan 53B to track changing effect of temperature
  • Improved standardisation of seal systems

Is API 682 mandatory?

Not legally mandatory — but often required by:

  • Oil and gas operators
  • EPC specifications
  • Corporate engineering standards
  • Insurance / risk management policies

What industries use API 682?

  • Oil and gas
  • Petrochemical
  • Refining
  • Chemical processing
  • LNG

Its adoption continues to grow outside refining due to reliability gains.

What is API 682 used for?

API 682 is used to guide the selection, design, testing and application of mechanical seals and seal support systems for centrifugal and rotary pumps. It helps improve reliability, reduce emissions and promote consistent sealing practices across industrial applications.

What are the requirements of API 682?

API 682 requirements cover seal arrangements, qualification testing, piping plans, material selection and seal support systems. These requirements are intended to improve safety, reliability and performance in demanding process environments.

What is the latest version of API 682?

The current edition is API Standard 682, Fourth Edition (2014), reaffirmed in 2022. It remains the latest published version of the standard.

Can API 682 be downloaded as a PDF?

Yes, API 682 is available as a PDF, but it must be purchased from the American Petroleum Institute or an authorized standards distributor. Official copies are not available as a free download.

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